What Happened
On March 9, 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published its 12-month finding that the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia [western Joshua tree] and Yucca jaegeriana [eastern Joshua tree]) does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This conclusion comes after a second in-depth review of the two Joshua tree species. The USFWS reviewed threats to the species such as wildfire, invasive species, climate impacts, and habitat loss and fragmentation. The USFWS determined the Joshua tree’s resiliency, redundancy, and representation was sufficient to not be at risk of becoming endangered in the foreseeable future, or through the year 2069.
Paul Souza, Regional Director of the USFWS Pacific Southwest Region said, “We are coordinating closely with partners to ensure the long-term conservation of these species, including the National Park Service and other Federal agencies, and the State of California, which is also considering measures for the protection of Joshua trees.”
Read more in the full Regulatory Alert.
Please contact your main SWCA contact for more information.
